Bill S-209 explained in plain English

This artifact is a record of a Senate sitting on February 18, 2020. It includes statements on the late Jeannette Runciman and Black History Month, visitor acknowledgements, and tabling of various reports. Routine proceedings saw the first reading of bills to amend the Criminal Records Act and the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act. Question Period addressed issues such as the Ukraine International Airlines PS752 tragedy, rail blockades, dementia care, election security, agricultural compensation, and Canada-China relations. The Orders of the Day included debates on committee reports, motions to study various topics (including Bill C-4 on the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement), and second reading debates for several bills. Notably, Bill S-209, concerning amendments to the Department for Women and Gender Equality Act, was moved for second reading by Senator Mary Jane McCallum. The debate on this bill is adjourned.

This is a record of a debate in the Senate on February 18, 2020. The Senate was discussing Bill S-209, an Act to Amend the Department for Women and Gender Equality Act. The purpose of this bill is to require the Minister responsible for the Status of Women to conduct a gender-based analysis for all proposed government legislation and private members' bills. This analysis would identify any potential negative impacts on women, particularly Indigenous women, and would be made public. The debate included significant discussion from Senator Mary Jane McCallum, who shared personal experiences and detailed the historical and ongoing injustices faced by Indigenous women in Canada. She emphasized the importance of gender-based analysis to ensure equity and to address systemic inequalities.

On February 25, 2020, the Senate of Canada met. The sitting included Senate's Statements, Routine Proceedings, Question Period, and Orders of the Day. Bill S-209, An Act to amend the Department for Women and Gender Equality Act, was debated at second reading. Several senators spoke on the bill, highlighting its importance for reconciliation with Indigenous women and the need for a statutory requirement for culturally relevant gender-based analysis. The debate was adjourned and the bill's progression through the Senate was not completed during this sitting.

The Senate was in session on February 25, 2020. The day began with the Speaker's remarks on the 100th anniversary of parliamentary security services. Senators then shared statements on curling success, paid tribute to Dr. Robert H. Lee, and discussed digital privacy and freedom of expression. Routine proceedings included the tabling of reports from the Commissioner of Official Languages and the Parliamentary Budget Officer, along with several notices of motion regarding committee business and Senate procedures. The Question Period addressed topics such as pipelines, Indigenous governance, blockade protests, foreign influence in elections, and the coronavirus. The "Orders of the Day" saw debates and votes on various committee reports and motions, including a deferred vote on a report concerning Senator Beyak. Debates also continued on several bills, including amendments to the Criminal Code, the Department for Women and Gender Equality Act, and the Modern Slavery Act, as well as inquiries on carbon emissions and guaranteed livable income. Bill S-209, concerning the Department for Women and Gender Equality Act, was debated at second reading. Senator Yvonne Boyer spoke in support of the bill, emphasizing the importance of integrating culture and gender analysis for Indigenous women and arguing that the bill would make this a statutory requirement, thus protecting Indigenous women from colonial harms and supporting reconciliation efforts.

On February 27, 2020, the Senate debated Bill S-209, An Act to Amend the Department for Women and Gender Equality Act. Senators discussed the importance of Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) and how to legally mandate its consistent application across government departments to ensure policies and legislation are inclusive and effective for all genders. The debate highlighted current inconsistencies in GBA+ implementation and the need for greater transparency and accountability.

On June 23, 2020, the Senate convened for a sitting that included tributes to departing pages, statements on various international and national days, and routine proceedings such as adjournment notices. The Senate also engaged in Question Period, addressing topics including the Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 tragedy, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the detention of Meng Wanzhou, guaranteed livable income, temporary foreign workers, an action plan for Indigenous issues, and a report from the Parliamentary Budget Officer. The Senate then moved to Orders of the Day, with significant debate continuing on several bills and motions. Notably, the debate on Bill S-209, an Act to Amend the Department for Women and Gender Equality Act, was continued. The sitting also featured discussions on the Ethics and Conflict of Interest for Senators, the Estimates for 2020-21, and appropriation bills. Finally, the Senate adjourned.

On June 23, 2020, the Senate continued debate on Bill S-209, An Act to Amend the Department for Women and Gender Equality Act. Senator Pierre J. Dalphond spoke on behalf of Senator Dyck, expressing support for the bill's intention to examine the potential effects of government legislation on women, particularly Indigenous women. However, Senator Dalphond raised concerns about the bill's lack of specific language, the potential redundancy with existing Charter analysis requirements, and the effectiveness of Gender-Based Analysis (GBA+). The Senator also noted that recent changes to the Justice Act through Bill C-51 might already achieve similar objectives with a more effective methodology.